Clovis starts centennial celebration on Monday

Clovis will have the party of the century Monday night.

The city is commemorating its 100th year of incorporation at Sierra Vista Mall, and the centennial event will feature music, dignitaries, special guests and the city’s longest-living resident.

The party kicks off at 4 p.m. with 100th birthday displays and musical groups.

“Taste of Clovis,” a competitive event featuring food from 16 local restaurants, begins at 5 p.m. Visitors will cast ballots for their favorite food vendors.

One criterium for the food competition is use of local ingredients, said Kathy Hamlin, co-chair of the event.

Taste of Clovis tickets were pre-sold but some may be available Monday night, she said. Remaining tickets will sell for $5 for adults and $2 for children.

A celebration program with speeches from dignitaries begins at 6 p.m. and features a birthday cake. Awards also will be given for the centennial essay contest and the cocktail competition, which took place in January.

Among dignitaries attending are Mayor Jose Flores and businessman Bill Shipley, who was elected constable in December in a vote-buying fundraiser.

Musical guests are the Buchanan High School Jazz Combo; Clovis Connection Show Choir from Clovis Elementary School; The GNC a capella barbershop chorus; and the Pamela Henri Trio bluegrass band.

The event will end with closing ceremonies at 8 p.m., when winners of “Taste of Clovis” will be announced.

Funding for centennial events comes from the Clovis Centennial Committee in coordination with the Clovis Community Foundation. Events will continue through February 2013.

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IF YOU GO

What: Clovis’ 100th birthday party

Where: Sierra Vista Mall

When: 4-8 p.m. on Monday